U.S. patent application number 13/294424 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-16 for latch assembly for a vacuum system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Electrolux Home Care Products, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Raymond E. Clepper, Anthony PRUITT. Invention is credited to Raymond E. Clepper, Anthony PRUITT.
Application Number | 20130117958 13/294424 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48279256 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130117958 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
PRUITT; Anthony ; et
al. |
May 16, 2013 |
LATCH ASSEMBLY FOR A VACUUM SYSTEM
Abstract
A central vacuum cleaner having a housing with a vacuum fan and
motor and a dirt container mounted to a lower end of the housing.
The dirt container includes a receptacle, a ring mount extending
from the receptacle sidewall near an open top of the receptacle and
a release ring. The ring mount extends around the sidewall
perimeter and a bottom of the ring mount is shaped to be held by an
operator to support the dirt container. The release ring is movably
mounted above the ring mount and extends around the sidewall
perimeter. One or more locks are mounted between the ring mount and
the release ring. The locks are movable by the release ring from an
engaged position to hold the dirt container to the housing to a
disengaged position to permit removal of the dirt container from
the housing.
Inventors: |
PRUITT; Anthony; (Normal,
IL) ; Clepper; Raymond E.; (Brooklyn, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
PRUITT; Anthony
Clepper; Raymond E. |
Normal
Brooklyn |
IL
NY |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Electrolux Home Care Products,
Inc.
|
Family ID: |
48279256 |
Appl. No.: |
13/294424 |
Filed: |
November 11, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/301 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/106 20130101;
A47L 5/38 20130101; A47L 9/1427 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/301 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/00 20060101
A47L009/00; A47L 9/10 20060101 A47L009/10; A47L 5/00 20060101
A47L005/00 |
Claims
1. A central vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having a vacuum
fan and a fan motor mounted therein; a dirt container removably
mounted to a lower end of the housing to be generally positioned
vertically below the housing, the dirt container comprising: a
receptacle having a closed bottom wall, a sidewall extending upward
from the bottom wall, and an open top, a ring mount extending from
the receptacle sidewall proximal to the open top of the receptacle
and extending substantially around an entire perimeter of the
sidewall, a bottom side of the ring mount being shaped to be held
by an operator to support the dirt container, a release ring
movably mounted above the ring mount and extending substantially
around the entire perimeter of the sidewall, one or more locks
mounted between the ring mount and the release ring, the one or
more locks being movable by the release ring from an engaged
position in which the one or more locks extend towards and engage
the lower end of the housing to hold the dirt container to the
housing to a disengaged position in which the one or more locks
retract from the lower end of the housing to permit removal of the
dirt container from the housing.
2. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the ring mount
comprises a wall extending generally in a horizontal plane below
the open top of the receptacle.
3. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the ring mount is
integrally formed with the receptacle.
4. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the release ring
is movable with respect to the ring mount along a vertical
axis.
5. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the release ring
is movably mounted to the ring mount.
6. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 5, wherein the release ring
is movably mounted to the ring mount by a plurality of telescoping
members and biased in an upward direction by one or more resilient
members.
7. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the one or more
locks comprise at least three locks.
8. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 7, wherein the at least
three locks are simultaneously movable from the engaged position to
the disengaged position by applying a downward force on the release
ring at two generally opposite locations around the perimeter of
the dirt container.
9. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the one or more
locks engage one or more detents on the housing when the one or
more locks are in the engaged position.
10. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 10, wherein the one or more
detents comprise a single detent extending substantially around an
entire perimeter of the housing.
11. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein each of the one
or more locks comprises a lock body slidably mounted on the ring
mount to move in a direction generally perpendicular to the
receptacle sidewall at the location of the lock and a locking pin
extending from the lock body through an opening through the
receptacle sidewall, the locking pin extending into one or more
detents on the housing when the lock is in the engaged
position.
12. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the release
ring comprises a first release member associated with each of the
one or more locks, and each of the one or more locks comprises a
second release member, the first release member comprises a first
surface adapted to contact the respective second release member to
move the respective lock to the disengaged position in which the
locking pin is at least partially withdrawn from the one or more
detents.
13. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 12, wherein the one or more
locking pins are partially withdrawn form the one or more detents
in the disengaged position, and each of the one or more locking
pins includes at least one associated ramp surface provided between
the locking pin and the one or more detents, the ramp surface being
adapted to move the locking pin fully out of engagement with the
one or more detents upon vertical movement of the dirt container
relative to the housing.
14. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 12, wherein the lower end
of the housing comprises a tapered surface, the tapered surface
being adapted move the one or more locks to permit installation of
the dirt container without moving the release ring relative to the
ring mount.
15. A central vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having a vacuum
fan and a fan motor mounted therein, the housing having a lower end
and one or more detents formed substantially around an entire
perimeter of the lower end; a dirt container removably mounted to
the lower end of the housing to be generally positioned vertically
below the housing, the dirt container comprising: a receptacle
having a closed bottom wall, a sidewall extending upward from the
bottom wall, and an open top, a ring mount extending from the
receptacle sidewall proximal to the open top of the receptacle and
extending substantially around an entire perimeter of the sidewall,
a bottom side of the ring mount being shaped to be held by an
operator to support the dirt container, a release ring movably
mounted above the ring mount and extending substantially around the
entire perimeter of the sidewall, a plurality of locks operatively
associated with the dirt container and movable by the release ring
from an engaged position in which the locks engage the detent to
hold the dirt container to the housing to a disengaged position in
which the locks retract from the detent to permit removal of the
dirt container from the housing.
16. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 15, wherein the dirt
container and housing are aligned on a vertical axis when the dirt
container is mounted to the housing, and the dirt container is
mountable to the housing regardless of the angular orientation of
the dirt container about the vertical axis.
17. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 15, wherein the plurality
of locks comprises three or more locks, the three or more locks
being simultaneously movable from the engaged position to the
disengaged position by applying a downward force on the release
ring at two generally opposite locations around the perimeter of
the dirt container.
18. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 15, wherein the one or more
detents comprise a single detent extending around an entire
perimeter of the housing.
19. A central vacuum cleaner comprising: a housing having a vacuum
fan and a fan motor mounted therein; a dirt container removably
mounted to a lower end of the housing, the dirt container
comprising: a receptacle having a closed bottom wall, a sidewall
extending upward from the bottom wall, and an open top, a plurality
of locks arranged around a perimeter of the receptacle and
configured to move towards the lower end of the housing to an
engaged position lock the dirt receptacle to the housing, and away
from the lower end of the housing to a disengaged position to
unlock the dirt receptacle from the housing; and a single operative
member adapted to simultaneously move the plurality of locks from
the engaged position to the disengaged position.
20. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein the plurality
of locks each support the dirt receptacle in single shear in the
engaged position.
21. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein the plurality
of locks comprises three locks.
22. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 21, wherein the plurality
of locks comprises only three locks.
23. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein the single
operative member comprises a releaser ring extending substantially
around an entire perimeter of the receptacle.
24. The central vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein the dirt
container and housing are aligned on a vertical axis when the dirt
container is mounted to the housing, and the dirt container is
mountable to the housing regardless of the angular orientation of
the dirt container about the vertical axis.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a latch assembly for
coupling a dirt receptacle to a vacuum cleaner housing. The
invention finds particular utility in central vacuum cleaner
systems. Other embodiments may be used other vacuum cleaner
systems, such as upright vacuum cleaners, commercial vacuums, wet
extractors, stick vacuums, canister vacuums, and the like.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Vacuum cleaning systems are the preferred method of cleaning
carpeted and hard floors and other areas. These devices are
manufactured in a variety of configurations including central,
canister, upright, power wands, power heads, handhelds, etc. These
different vacuum types differ in many design features such nozzle
size and configuration, floor agitation systems, cyclonic airflow
and advanced dust filtering, however, they all typically share
various components. Portable vacuum cleaner systems are popular
because they permit great flexibility in where they may be used,
can be relatively inexpensive, and are portable from dwelling to
dwelling. Nevertheless, due in part to the inconvenience of
manipulating an entire vacuum cleaning system, and also the power,
weight and size limitations of the typical portable vacuum systems,
central vacuum systems are often used.
[0003] Central vacuum systems use a central power unit which may
have a relatively high-power vacuum motor and large dirt container.
Such central vacuums are typically located outside of the main
living area of a home, such as, for example, in a garage, basement,
attic, etc. A network of conduits hidden below floorboards, above
ceilings and between walls connects wall-based vacuum outlets to
the central power unit. The power unit is usually connected to a
dedicated 15 amp or larger power circuit and may run on 240 and 120
volt alternating current power (AC), but power requirements may
vary depending on the characteristics of the local power system or
system requirements. By isolating the powerful vacuum motor outside
of the primary living area, the homeowner is able to enjoy strong
suction power not typically available in conventional integrated
vacuum cleaning devices without having to hear the noise that such
a high power vacuum motor generates and without having to
physically manipulate such a unit. Typically, central vacuum
systems are equipped with one or more hose/cleaning attachment
modules that connect to vacuum outlets located throughout the
house. In addition to providing an airflow path from the cleaning
attachment to the dirt canister and vacuum motor, these wall
connectors may provide a power connection to operate active
components of the cleaning attachments and permit the user to turn
the vacuum unit on and off. U.S. Pat. No. 5,400,463 illustrates an
example of a central vacuum system. This patent is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0004] Though central vacuum systems differ from portable vacuum
systems in that they are typically more robust and are built into
the house, their basic design has many similarities with
conventional portable vacuums. One common feature is a dirt
container or bucket to hold captured dirt and debris. In a central
vacuum, the dirt container typically is located with the central
power unit that houses the vacuum motor. The dirt container may be
removably attached to and form the lower section of the central
power unit. Similar dirt receptacles are sometimes employed in
portable vacuum cleaner systems, such as upright and canister
vacuums, but the dirt container on a central vacuum system
generally is larger than the container on a portable system. The
dirt container may contain a bag or other filter (such as a pleated
filter), or it may simply receive dirt separated by a filter or an
inertial and/or cyclonic separation system. Of course, combinations
of cyclones or inertial separators and bags and filters are also
possible. Nevertheless, the manner in which the dirt is separated
from the airflow is not particularly relevant to the invention
described herein. Vacuum cleaner dirt containers usually are
detachable from the rest of the system to allow the user to empty
accumulated dust and dirt, but in some cases they may be
permanently installed and emptied using a trapdoor or other
opening. In either event, but particularly where the container is
emptied by removing it, the container may have some form a mating
assembly to connect the container to the vacuum cleaner and lock it
in place. In typical central vacuum cleaners, an over-center strap
latch is used to attach the dirt container to the central unit.
the weight of the container while aligning it and latching it in
place. Such latches also may be difficult to operate while removing
the dirt container, creating a risk that the user will drop the
heavy, filled container. These design drawbacks may lead to damage
or failure of the attachment assembly, and inconvenience to the
user. Other problems and drawbacks may exist with known
systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In one exemplary embodiment, there is provided a central
vacuum cleaner with a housing having a vacuum fan and a fan motor
therein and a dirt container removably mounted to a lower end of
the housing. The dirt container has a receptacle having a closed
bottom wall, a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall, and
an open top. A ring mount extends from the receptacle sidewall near
to the open top of the receptacle and extends substantially around
an entire perimeter of the sidewall. A bottom side of the ring
mount is shaped to be held by an operator to support the dirt
container. A release ring is movably mounted above the ring mount
and extends substantially around the entire perimeter of the
sidewall. One or more locks are mounted between the ring mount and
the release ring, and are movable by the release ring from an
engaged position in which the one or more locks extend towards and
engage the lower end of the housing to hold the dirt container to
the housing to a disengaged position in which the one or more locks
retract from the lower end of the housing to permit removal of the
dirt container from the housing.
[0006] In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a central
vacuum cleaner with a housing having a vacuum fan and a fan motor
therein and a dirt container removably mounted to a lower end of
the housing. The housing has one or more detents formed
substantially around an entire perimeter of the lower end. The dirt
container has a receptacle having a closed bottom wall, a sidewall
extending upward from the bottom wall, and an open top. A ring
mount extends from the receptacle sidewall near to the open top of
the receptacle and extends substantially around an entire perimeter
of the sidewall. A bottom side of the ring mount is shaped to be
held by an operator to support the dirt container. A release ring
is movably mounted above the ring mount and extends substantially
around the entire perimeter of the sidewall. A number of locks are
operatively associated with the dirt container and movable by the
release ring from an engaged position in which the locks engage the
detent to hold the dirt container to the housing to a disengaged
position in which the locks retract from the detent to permit
removal of the dirt container from the housing.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, there is provided a central
vacuum cleaner with a housing having a vacuum fan and a fan motor
therein and a dirt container removably mounted to a lower end of
the housing. The dirt container has a receptacle having a closed
bottom wall, a sidewall extending upward from the bottom wall, and
an open top. A number of locks are arranged around a perimeter of
the receptacle and configured to move towards the lower end of the
housing to an engaged position lock the dirt receptacle to the
housing, and away from the lower end of the housing to a disengaged
position to unlock the dirt receptacle from the housing. A single
operative member adapted to simultaneously move the plurality of
locks from the engaged position to the disengaged position.
[0008] It will be understood that the foregoing summary of the
invention is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not
intended to modify or narrow the scope of the claims in any
way.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The present inventions are described in detail with
reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the following
figures, in which like parts are designated by like reference
numerals.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary central vacuum
system.
[0011] FIG. 2 is an exemplary embodiment of a dirt container shown
detached from the bottom of an upper housing.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a top view of the exemplary dirt container of FIG.
2.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of the exemplary dirt container of
FIG. 2.
[0014] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the exemplary dirt container
of FIG. 2.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a cutaway view of an exemplary latch arrangement
provided on the exemplary dirt container of FIG. 2.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a cutaway view of an exemplary latch retainer
arrangement provided on the exemplary dirt container of FIG. 2.
[0017] FIGS. 8A-8D are cutaway side views of the exemplary latch
arrangement of FIG. 6, shown in the locked, unlocked,
partially-removed and removed positions, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTIONS
[0018] The present disclosure provides a latch feature for vacuum
cleaners. An exemplary embodiment of such a feature is described
with reference to one exemplary use in a central vacuum cleaner,
such as the central vacuum shown in FIG. 1, to secure a dirt
container to a power unit. It will be appreciated, however, that
latches having different specific structures may be used, and other
uses for such latches may be used in various other contexts. For
example, embodiments of latches can be used with upright vacuums,
canister vacuums, stick vacuums, portable and handheld vacuums,
shop vacuums, wet extractors, and so on. Furthermore, the various
features described herein may be used separately from one another
or in any suitable combination. The present disclosure illustrating
an exemplary embodiment is not intended to limit the invention in
any way.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary central vacuum unit 100 in
which embodiments of the invention may be used. The central vacuum
unit generally includes an upper housing 102 containing various
operating parts, and a dirt container 104 connected to the bottom
of the upper housing 102. The upper housing 102 may include various
operating components, such as control electronics 106 and a
fan/motor unit 108 having a suction fan and electric drive motor,
as known in the art. In the shown embodiment, the upper housing 102
is fluidly connected to a system of inlet pipes 110. These pipes
110 are routed through a building to one or more outlets 112. The
outlets 112 are adapted to connect to a suction hose 114, which, in
turn, is connected to a cleaning head 116 or other implement to
direct suction generated by the fan/motor unit 108. A bag 118 may
be provided in the upper housing 102 to intercept dirt and debris
carried to the upper housing 102 through the hose and pipes.
Numerous variations on the foregoing parts are known in the art.
For example, the bag 118 may be replaced by or supplemented with a
cyclone separator or other filters. These and other variations may
be used in alternative embodiments, and the specific details of the
motor, motor controls, fluid conduit system and separation system
do not form a substantive part of the present invention.
[0020] An exemplary dirt container 104 is shown in more detail in
FIGS. 2-4. The exemplary dirt container 104 includes a
bucket-shaped dirt receptacle 202 having vertically-extending
sidewalls, an open top, and a closed bottom. The dirt container 104
is oriented vertically below the upper housing 102. As used herein,
the term "vertical" generally refers to the global vertical
direction, which is generally oriented with the above/below
arrangement of the upper housing 102 and dirt receptacle 104, and
along an axis extending from the geometric center of the bottom of
the dirt container 104 to the geometric center of the open top of
the dirt container 104. The term "horizontal" generally refers to
the global horizontal plane, or a plane relative to which the
"vertical" direction is generally orthogonal. One or more portals
may be formed in the sidewalls or bottom. For example, an access
door may be provided in the sidewall, or a trapdoor may be provided
through the bottom. The receptacle 202 may be made of any suitable
material, such as metal or plastic, and may be transparent or
include transparent portions to provide a view of its contents
while it is attached to the upper housing 102. As shown in FIG. 3,
the receptacle may have a generally circular cross section as
viewed along the vertical axis, but other shapes (e.g., ovate,
rectangular, etc.) are possible.
[0021] A latch assembly 204 is provided at or near the top of the
receptacle 202. The latch assembly 204 is used to connect the dirt
container 104 to the upper housing 102. The bottom end of an
exemplary upper housing 102 is shown in FIG. 2. The bottom 206 of
the upper housing 102 includes an opening or movable door through
which dirt and debris is dropped for collection in the dirt
container 104. As noted above, any suitable separation system may
be used to remove the dirt from the airflow, such as a cyclone, bag
or other filter. In some cases, the dirt container 104 itself may
form part of a separation system. This may be the case, for
example, where a cyclonic airflow is generated within the dirt
container 104. Furthermore, physical parts of a separation system
may extend down into the dirt container 104. For example, a central
cone of a tapered cyclone or a filter may extend into the dirt
container. As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom of the upper housing 102
may include a short tapered (e.g. frustoconical) section 208, a
detent bead 210, and a seal 212, the purposes of which are
described subsequently herein.
[0022] The exemplary dirt container 104 is shown in exploded view
in FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the receptacle 202 includes a ring
mount 502 formed as a generally radially-extending wall near the
open upper 504 end of the receptacle 202. The ring mount 502 may be
integrally molded with the receptacle 202, or made as one or more
separate parts and attached thereto. Also, the ring mount 502 may
extend all the way around the perimeter or circumference of the
receptacle 202, as shown, or it may include interruptions or have
other configurations. The bottom of the ring mount 502 may be
contoured to aid with gripping it during removal and installation
of the dirt container 104 on the upper housing 102.
[0023] The exemplary latch assembly 204 may be secured to the ring
mount 502, and include a release ring 506 by which an operator can
control the connection of the dirt container 104 to the upper
housing 102. In the shown embodiment, the release ring 506 includes
lock actuators 508 that are adapted to disengage corresponding
locks 510 to disconnect the dirt container 104. Three lock
actuators 508 and corresponding locks 510 are shown in FIG. 5, but
more or fewer of these parts may be used in other embodiments.
[0024] The release ring 506 may include additional features, such
as a reinforcement 512 or a skirt gasket 516. The reinforcement 512
in the shown embodiment may be a rigid part that helps distribute
forces applied to the release ring 506 to help ensure that the
release ring 506 does not flex during actuation. An exemplary
reinforcement 512 may be a thin steel ring that is positioned on
the upper surface of the release ring 506. Such a reinforcement
ring may extend all the way around the release ring 506, but it may
be interrupted at points, or provided only where reinforcement of
the underlying structure is found to be desirable. The shown
reinforcement 512 is recessed in a correspondingly-shaped channel
514 formed in the upper surface of the release ring 506 to provide
a smooth upper surface (see, e.g., FIGS. 6-7) and attractive
aesthetic appearance, but this is not required in all
embodiments.
[0025] The exemplary skirt gasket 516 is provided between the
release ring 506 and the ring mount 502, and may be mounted to the
release ring 506 or the ring mount 502, or simply captured in
place. In the shown embodiment, the skirt gasket 516 is connected
to the bottom of the release ring 506. The skirt gasket 516 is
provided to help prevent dust and dirt, an operator's fingers, or
other objects from moving between the release ring 506 and the ring
mount 502, or simply to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the
device. Any suitable material may be used for the skirt gasket 516.
For example, where the skirt gasket 516 is intended to deform
during use, it may be made of a rubber, fabric, flexible polymer or
other deformable material, but where it does not deform, it may
comprise a simple extension of the release ring 506 or
reinforcement 512 (if one is provided). The operation of an
exemplary skirt gasket 516 is described in detail subsequently
herein.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 7, an example of how the
release ring 506 may be connected to the ring mount 502 is
described in detail. In the exemplary embodiment, the release ring
506 may be connected to the ring mount 502 by telescoping
connectors that permit relative vertical movement between the
release ring 506 and ring mount 502, but limit movement in other
directions. Each telescoping connector may include a first
telescoping member 702 on the ring mount 502 and a second
telescoping member 704 on the release ring 506. The telescoping
member 702, 704 are shaped such that one is telescopically received
in the other to permit relative axial movement, but little or no
movement in other directions. In the shown embodiment, both members
702, 704 are formed as cylinders, and the first telescoping member
702 surrounds the second telescoping member 704. FIG. 7 shows the
two members 702, 704 in their fully-extended position. To prevent
complete separation of the release ring 506 from the ring mount
502, the second telescoping member 704 may be captured in place
inside the first telescoping member 702 by a washer 706 that is
secured to the second telescoping member 704 by a screw 708. This
washer engages a shelf that extends radially inward from the inner
wall of the first telescoping member 702. One or more release ring
springs 710 may be provided to resiliently bias the release ring
506 upwards away from the ring mount 502, to prevent inadvertent
disconnection of the dirt container 104 and reset the release ring
506 to the locking position when it is not being depressed. In the
shown embodiment, one such spring 710 surrounds each of the first
telescoping members 702. The springs 710 are shown as coil springs,
but other kinds of resilient member, such as resilient foams, leaf
springs, and the like may be used. For example, the springs 710 may
be replaced by cantilevered extensions rising from the ring mount
surface that bias the release ring 506 upwards, or the springs 710
may be provided as an integral part of the skirt gasket 516 where
the gasket 516 is a resilient member located between the release
ring 506 and ring mount 502. Three telescoping mounts and
corresponding springs are provided as an example in the shown
embodiment. Other numbers, shapes and arrangements of telescoping
members, structures to limit their separation, and resilient
biasing devices are possible in other embodiments, as will be
appreciated by persons or ordinary skill in the art in view of the
present disclosure.
[0027] As noted above, the release ring 506 may operate one or more
locks 510 that hold the dirt container 104 to the upper housing
102. An example of one such lock 510 is shown in two slightly
different cross-section views provided in FIGS. 6 and 8A-8D. The
view in FIG. 6 is a side cross-section view that passes through a
center of the lock, and the views of FIGS. 8A-8D are non-cutaway
side views of the lock arrangement.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 6, an exemplary lock 510 may include a
locking pin 602 that extends from a lock body 604. The lock 510 may
be mounted with the locking pin 602 protruding through a
corresponding pin hole 518 that passes through the receptacle 202.
The lock body 604 may be mounted such that it can slide axially
generally along the length of the pin 602, to thereby vary the
distance the locking pin 602 protrudes through the pin hole 518.
For example, the lock body 604 may be mounted in a lock mount 520
having a generally open box-like shape that extends upwards from
the upper surface of the ring mount 502. As shown in FIG. 5, the
lock mount 520 is positioned adjacent the corresponding pin hole
518. The lock mount 520 may form a track in which the lock 510 can
slide in a generally radial direction relative to the receptacle
202 wall. The lock mount 520 may have a back wall 608 located a
sufficient radial distance from the pin hole 518 to permit the lock
510 to be installed in the lock mount 520 and to permit the desired
amount of sliding movement. As best shown in FIG. 6, a lock spring
522 may be positioned between the lock 510 and the back wall 608 to
bias the lock 510 radially inward. In this example, the lock spring
608 is a coil spring that may fit in a recess 610 formed in the
back of the lock 510, but other kinds of spring or resilient
devices may be used in this or other locations. In other
embodiments, the lock spring 522 may be omitted and replaced by a
moving wedge or other member that drives the lock into the engaged
position as the release ring 506 moves upwards under the restoring
force of its own return springs 710.
[0029] Still referring to FIG. 6, in the exemplary embodiment, the
locking pin 602 extends out of the pin hole 518 and into engagement
with a detent 210 formed near the bottom of the upper housing 102.
In the shown embodiment, the detent 210 is formed as a detent bead
that extends all the way around the upper housing 102. Thus, the
locking pin 602 can engage the detent 210 regardless of the angular
orientation between the dirt container 102 and the upper housing
102. In other embodiments, the detent 210 may comprise a bead that
extends partly around the housing, which might limit the ability to
engage the parts at particular orientations but still be useful. In
still other embodiments, the detent 210 may be a simple hole, such
as a round hole punched through the upper housing wall. In this
embodiment, it may be necessary to orient the dirt container 104 at
a particular angle relative to the upper housing 102 to connect the
parts. This may be advantageous where the dirt container 104
includes functional features, such as airflow members that work in
conjunction with related members in the upper housing 102, or under
other circumstances. While no arrangement is necessarily required,
the use of a continuous detent bead 210 has been found to provide a
particularly useful arrangement that eases the operator's burden
when connecting the parts because the operator need not consider
the angular orientation of the parts. In such an embodiment, the
upper housing 102 and dirt container 104 may have a circular cross
sectional profile, as viewed along the vertical axis, to permit
orientation at any angle.
[0030] In the shown exemplary embodiment, the locking pins 602
extend into the detent 210 a sufficient distance to hold the dirt
container 104 (and any dirt accumulated therein) in engagement with
the upper housing 102 during operation of the central vacuum 100.
The upper housing 102 (or dirt container 104) may include one or
more seals 212 to provide an airtight or leak-resistant connection
between the dirt container 104 and the upper housing 102. For
example, the shown seal may comprise a resilient rubber, polymeric
or felt ring that is retained in a seal groove 616 on the upper
housing 102. Such seals are known in the art and need not be
described in detail herein.
[0031] In the exemplary embodiment, a generally horizontal portion
612 of the pin 602 may contact a generally horizontal portion 614
of the detent 210. In this position, the weight of the dirt
container 104 and its contents are transferred to the top of the
pin 602, which operates in single shear to convey that load to the
lower wall of the detent 210 to hold the dirt container 104 on the
upper housing 102. Of course, other embodiments of lock
arrangements may have different load-transferring and load bearing
arrangements, and the present embodiment is not intended to be a
limiting example. Providing the contacting generally horizontal
surfaces 612, 614 helps prevent accidental disengagement, but some
amount of angle between these parts may be tolerable, provided the
dirt container 104 generally does not unexpectedly detach during
normal operation.
[0032] Wear caused by friction, plastic deformation caused by point
loads and other factors may be considered when constructing
embodiments of the lock arrangement, and addressed as known in the
art to prevent excess wear or failure of the parts. If desired, the
pin 602, detent 210, and portions of the dirt container 104
surrounding the pin 602 may be made of relatively strong materials
or suitably reinforced. For example, the detent 210 may comprise
rolled and formed sheet steel. As another example, the pin may
comprise a steel or magnesium alloy that may be impregnated with
lubricant or coated or otherwise treated to reduce friction, fusion
or adherence caused by oxidation (rusting) of the parts at their
contact points. As yet another example, the portions of the dirt
container 104 surrounding the pin hole 518 may be thickened to help
support the weight of the dirt container 104 and collected dirt,
and particular attention may be given to the portion of the wall
above the pin hole 518 to help prevent wear, damage, or failure at
that point. Finally, if wear is determined to be a concern, or if
adjustment during or after fabrication is desirable, the locks 510
or detent(s) 210 may be movably mounted to permit some vertical
adjustment. For example, the detent 210 may be provided on a
vertically-adjustable band, or the locks 510 may be mounted on
shims or on vertically-movable lock mounts 520.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 8A-8D, the lock 510 may include any
suitable structure or mechanism to retract the locking pin or pins.
In the shown exemplary embodiment, the release ring 506 includes a
first release member 802 that that extends down towards the ring
mount 502. The first release member 802 is positioned to contact a
corresponding second release member 804 formed on the lock 510. In
this example, the first and second release members 802, 804 are
provided as corresponding angled wedges. The first release member
802 tapers from a narrow end at the bottom to a wider end at the
top, forming an angled surface that is inclined away from the
radial center of the dirt container 104. The second release member
804 has a wider bottom end that tapers to a narrower top end,
forming an angled surface that faces the surface of the first
release member 802, and is inclined in the same general direction.
The inclined surfaces of the release members 802, 804 may be
inclined at the same or different angles, and may have the same or
different shapes. If desired, each release member 802, 804 may
comprise a pair of wedge members that are located on opposite sides
of the lock 510. In this arrangement, the two first release members
802 may form a channel between them that contains the lock 510 and
prevents it from moving perpendicular to the axis of the pin 602.
This arrangement also may provide a more even force to move the
lock 510 backwards.
[0034] To release the dirt container 104 from the upper housing
102, the operator presses down on the release ring 506 against the
restoring force provided by the release ring springs 710. The
operator also may need to overcome the restoring force provided by
the lock springs 522, if they are provided. In addition, it may be
necessary to overcome frictional forces between the pin 602 and the
detent 210 and between the pin 602 and the receptacle 202. Such
forces may be generated as a result of the pins 602 being used to
hold the dirt container 104 to the upper housing 102 against
gravity. To overcome these frictional forces, it may be necessary
for the operator to lift up on the dirt container 104, which may be
beneficial in that it ensures that the locks 510 are not disengaged
until after the operator is at least partially supporting the
weight of the dirt container 104. If this benefit is particularly
desired, the pins 602 may be provided with downward hooks or bumps
on their ends to engage a corresponding raised lip on the bottom of
the detent 210, which will increase the necessity to lift up on the
dirt container 104 before it will be possible to press down on the
release ring 506. Where it is found that overcoming the friction
caused by the pins is not desirable, the pins 602, detent 210 and
other parts may be lubricated or otherwise arranged to reduce or
minimize friction.
[0035] It will be apparent from the foregoing that the operator
should grasp or support the bottom of the ring mount 502 as he or
she depresses the release ring 506, and thus it may be beneficial
to provide the bottom of the ring mount 502 with an ergonomic
shape, a lip or contour to help with holding it, or high friction
surfaces to help prevent slipping. In the shown exemplary
embodiment, the release ring 506 and ring mount 502 extend around
the entire circumference of the dirt container 104, which provides
the additional benefit that the operator can grasp the dirt
container 104 from any direction and at a wide variety of locations
to remove the dirt container 104. This permits the central vacuum
100 to be mounted in spaces in which many conventional devices
could not be installed, because many devices locate the handles or
locks at discrete and unmovable locations that must be accessible
when the central vacuum is mounted to the wall. That problem may be
eliminated by the exemplary embodiment, or other embodiments in
which the release ring 506 and ring mount 502 extend around large
portions of the dirt container 104. In either event, the provision
of the large ring mount 502 and release ring 506 allows the user to
simply lift the dirt container at any two locations (typically
generally opposite in order to balance the load), and depress the
release ring with both hands at those two locations to remove the
dirt container 104.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 8B, downward movement of the release ring
506 causes the first release member 802 to slide and press against
the second release member 804. The force generated by contact
between the first and second release members 802, 804 drives the
lock 510 against the lock spring 522, and pushes the lock 510
backwards in a radial direction away from the upper housing 102. A
downwardly-depending wall 808 formed on the bottom of the release
ring 506 may be provided to move behind the back wall 608 to
support it against flexure during he release operation. As the lock
510 moves back, the locking pin 602 retracts partially or
completely from the detent 210. Variations to the exemplary
arrangement will be apparent to persons of ordinary skill in view
of the present disclosure. For example, the first and second
release members 802, 804 may be shapes other than wedges, such as
by making one a curved ramp and the other a round pin or roller
that rides on the ramp, or by simply making one or the other a
square block against which a wedge or ramped surface presses. Other
devices or mechanism for moving the locks may be used as well.
[0037] FIG. 8B shows the exemplary release ring 506 in the fully
depressed position. At this point, contact between the release ring
506 and other parts prevents further movement. As shown, the ring
mount 502 may include an opening 806 to receive the bottom end of
the first release member 802. In this position, the pin 602 may be
fully retracted from the detent 210, or, as shown, the pin 602 may
still protrude some distance into the detent 210. In the latter
case, the pin 602 and/or detent 210 may include ramped or curved
surfaces that contact one another to continue pressing the pin 602
out of engagement with the detent 210 as the dirt container 104 is
lowered. For example, the pin 602 may have a ramped, curved or
hemispherical end that protrudes into the detent 210, and the lower
lip of the detent 210 may be curved or ramped as well. Contact
between these surfaces, in combination with the operators' lowering
of the dirt container 104, is sufficient to drive the pins 602
completely out of engagement with the detent 210, as shown in FIG.
8C. To permit this movement, the locks 510 should be spaced a short
distance from the back wall 608 when the release ring 506 is fully
depressed, so that contact between the curved or ramped surfaces of
the pin and/or detent can push the lock 510 back an additional
distance to release the dirt container 104.
[0038] FIG. 8D shows the dirt container 104 fully released from the
upper housing 102. The dirt container may now be emptied or
inspected and reinstalled on the upper housing 102. To reinstall
the dirt container 104, the operator may generally reverse the
process described above. To facilitate reinstallation, the upper
housing 102 may include a short tapered section 208, which will
force the pins 602 back as the dirt container 104 is lifted into
contact with the upper housing 102. The tapered section may also
assist with aligning the dirt container 104 with the upper housing
102. In the shown embodiment, the provision of the tapered section
208 may eliminate the need for the operator to depress the release
ring 506 during reinstallation. For example, the tapered section
208 may press the locks 510 back to permit upwards movement of the
dirt container 104. In this embodiment, it is not necessary for the
operator to depress the release ring 506 because the locks 510 can
move backwards independently of the position of the release ring
506. In alternative embodiments, such as an embodiment in which
ramps on the release ring move the locks into the engaged position,
it may be necessary to depress the release ring 506 during
installation.
[0039] FIG. 8B also depicts two alternative embodiments of the
operation of the exemplary skirt gasket 516. In one alternative,
the skirt gasket 516 is extends around and passes below the ring
mount 502 when the release ring 506 is pressed downward. In this
embodiment, the skirt gasket 516 may be made of a rigid material
and have a diameter that is larger than the ring mount's diameter.
Alternatively, the skirt gasket 516 may be a flexible material so
that it does not unduly interfere with the operators hand as the
release ring 506 is pressed down. A flexible skirt gasket 516 may
have a larger diameter than the ring mount 502, or it may be the
same diameter or smaller and be configured to flex around the ring
mount 502. In the alternative shown embodiment the skirt gasket
516' may flex under the release ring 506, and not pass under the
ring mount 502. Of course, in practice and after time and wear, a
flexible skirt gasket 516 may exhibit properties that change, and
may change, in whole or in part, from flexing beneath the release
ring 506 to extending below the ring mount 502. It will also be
understood, as noted above, that other kinds of skirt gasket may be
used, or it may be omitted.
[0040] Other variations on the foregoing exemplary embodiments will
be evident in view of the present disclosure. For example, the
release ring may, instead of moving vertically with respect to the
ring mount, be constructed to rotate in a horizontal plane relative
to the ring mount. In such an embodiment, the first and second
release members could be turned ninety degrees, and still
accomplish the same result of moving the lock out of engagement
with the detent. Raised tabs may be provided on the bottom of the
ring mount and the top or sides of the release ring to facilitate
rotating the release ring. Such an embodiment is particularly
suited to a embodiments in which the dirt container is circular and
constructed to mount at any angular orientation on the upper
housing. As another example, the sliding locks may be replaced by
rotating locks that pivot, rather than slide, into and out of
engagement with the upper housing. As another example, while the
foregoing embodiments describe the locks (and more specifically,
their pins), as bearing the weight of the dirt container during
use, the lock pins may be used only for temporary mounting of the
dirt container, in which case additional latches may be provided to
secure the dirt container to the upper housing during
operation.
[0041] In effectuating embodiments of the invention, it may be
desirable to design the parts to obtain certain additional
advantages or benefits. For example, the shown exemplary
embodiments use three locks to hold the dirt container to the upper
housing, which is advantageous because the load of the dirt
container is likely to relatively evenly distribute among three
points even if there is some difference in their heights.
Nevertheless, two or even one lock may be used in other
embodiments, and more than three locks may be provided to provide
redundancy or enhance load capacity. As another example, it may be
desirable to reduce the likelihood that the dirt container can be
removed using only one hand or upon an accidental application of
force at a single location on the release ring. To this end, it may
be possible to provide sufficient clearance in the telescoping
connections between the release ring and the ring mount that
applying a downward force at just one discrete location on the
release ring may cause the release ring to tilt downward at the
location of the force, but remain in an upward position at a
location opposite the force. Thus, only the lock(s) proximal to the
force may be disengaged, and the remaining locks may stay engaged
to prevent the dirt container from falling. This and other
exemplary benefits may be provided, but are not required in all
embodiments. As another example, the release ring may be movably
mounted to the sidewall of the receptacle, rather than being
movably mounted directly to the ring mount.
[0042] The embodiments described herein are all exemplary, and it
will be appreciated that the various features shown herein can be
used separately from one another, or in various combinations, and
modified and adapted in various ways and for different uses. The
description of the foregoing exemplary embodiments and variations
thereof are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed
invention in any way. Furthermore, the claims are intended to
recite only the minimum required structures, and additional
structures, and even redundant structures, may be added without
departing from the scope of the claims. For example, where a claim
may recite that "each" of the locks includes certain features, it
will be understood that this refers to features required in one set
of locks, and that additional locks beyond those recited in the
claims may be added without departing from the "each" language, or,
stated differently, recitations such as "each" are not intended to
be construed "each and every."
* * * * *